Numb hands and carpal tunnel in pregnancy: wrist support and ways to ease it

If your hand goes numb at night and you wake up shaking your fingers to get relief, you are not alone. Tingling and numbness in the hands are fairly common in the second half of pregnancy. It is often something that settles by itself after birth, but is annoying while it lasts.

Why does it happen?

In pregnancy the body holds on to more fluid. This fluid also collects in the narrow passage in the wrist, the carpal tunnel. When the median nerve running through the tunnel gets squeezed, numbness, tingling and pain begin. It becomes more common in the later weeks, especially after week 20, and is most frequent in the second and third trimesters.

Because fluid retention is more noticeable at night and in the morning, symptoms often get worse then too.

How does it feel?

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger (the little finger is usually not affected)
• A burning or electric-shock feeling in the hand
• Pain that wakes you at night and eases when you shake out the hands
• Weakness in the hand, dropping things, trouble with fine tasks such as doing up buttons
• It can affect both hands or just one

What you can do

• Wrist support: A night splint that keeps the wrist straight, available from pharmacies and orthopaedic suppliers, helps many people. Ask your doctor or physiotherapist about the right model.
• Keep the wrist straight: Avoid bending it when using a mouse or phone, or when sleeping.
• Take frequent breaks: During repetitive tasks such as typing, phone use or sewing, pause and loosen the hands.
• Raise your hands: Resting them on a pillow at night can reduce fluid build-up.
• Cold compress: A short application on the wrist may soothe it.
• Gentle stretching: Finger and wrist exercises; it helps to learn them from a physiotherapist.
• Take off rings and watches: It is easier to remove them before swelling starts.
• Keep moving: Walking and gentle exercise support fluid circulation.
• Sleep position: When lying on either side, keep your arms close to your body so your hands do not get trapped under you.

Do not decide on painkillers or other medicines yourself; ask your doctor.

What happens after birth?

In most people the symptoms ease in the weeks after birth, as the fluid leaves the body. It can continue for a while during breastfeeding. Rarely, symptoms last for months; in that case treatment options are discussed with a doctor.

Irritability and mood

When sleep is disturbed and pain continues, getting irritable or quickly overwhelmed is very human. Be kind to yourself and to those around you. If sleeplessness drags on, asking for help is part of caring for yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Does carpal tunnel harm the baby? No; it does not affect the baby, only your hand.

Should the night splint be worn every night? Many people feel better wearing it at night; follow your physiotherapist's or doctor's advice about how long and how often.

Will I need surgery? Rarely in pregnancy; in most people the symptoms ease by themselves after birth. If lasting loss of strength occurs, it will be assessed.

Can I exercise? Gentle exercise supports fluid circulation. Avoid movements that cause pain in the wrist.

The worst part is often how it disturbs your night's sleep. So try small steps together, such as a splint, pillow arrangement and short breaks through the day; a single measure may not be enough.

When to contact your doctor

• Numbness continues in the daytime and gets in the way of daily tasks
• Marked weakness in the hand, being unable to hold things, or muscle wasting
• Sudden numbness or weakness in just one arm, a drooping face or trouble speaking: emergency room or 112
• Sudden swelling of the hands or face together with a severe headache, blurred vision or pain in the upper abdomen: this may be a blood pressure problem, get seen right away
• Swelling or pain in one leg
• Symptoms worsen despite these measures and disturb your sleep
• If you feel helplessness, anger or sadness that does not lift, tell your doctor or midwife openly

This article is for information only; your doctor's or midwife's advice is what counts for your personal situation.